For some creative professionals, Apple's MacBook Pro line is the pinnacle of work laptops, but many users need or prefer Windows. Luckily for you, we've been testing and reviewing laptops for more than 40 years, evaluating their productivity performance, graphics power, screen quality, battery life, extra features, and overall value. Today, our expert reviewers have tested hundreds of Windows laptops that can do the job of a MacBook Pro, evaluating both premium design and performance on crucial workloads like media editing. The Dell XPS 14 (2026) is our current pick as the best MacBook Pro alternative overall—aimed, of course, at Apple's smaller 14-inch MacBook Pro model—but here you'll find our picks across different sizes and use cases, a handy spec comparison chart, and a detailed buying guide.
Overview
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![Dell XPS 14 (2026)]()
Best Alternative to the 14-Inch MacBook ProDell XPS 14 (2026)
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![Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i Gen 10 Aura Edition]()
Best Alternative to the 16-Inch MacBook ProLenovo Yoga Pro 9i Gen 10 Aura Edition
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![Razer Blade 14 (2025)]()
Best Premium MacBook Pro AlternativeRazer Blade 14 (2025)
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![Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition]()
Best MacBook Pro Alternative for Business UsersLenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition
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![Dell Pro Max 18 Plus]()
Best Workstation-Grade MacBook Pro AlternativeDell Pro Max 18 Plus
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![Razer Blade 18 (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX)]()
Best MacBook Pro Alternative for Creating and GamingRazer Blade 18 (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX)
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![Framework Laptop 16 (2025)]()
Best MacBook Pro Alternative for Maximum CustomizationFramework Laptop 16 (2025)
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![Dell XPS 14 (2026)]()
Best Alternative to the 14-Inch MacBook ProDell XPS 14 (2026)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
After a short hiatus, Dell relaunched its XPS brand with a redesign that rivals the MacBook Pro. This laptop is a sleek, portable, and super-long-lasting device that delivers both style and substance. It lacks a discrete graphics chip, but like Apple's M-series silicon, the Intel Core Ultra X7 358H "Panther Lake" processor in our review model includes integrated graphics that can power demanding visual workloads (and gaming). The sharp OLED screen is a huge plus, as are the 4K webcam and high-quality speakers.
Who It's For
Traveling professionals: The XPS 14 is for busy, demanding office workers and media editors on the go. Weighing just three pounds and lasting for 21 hours in our battery life rundown test, this machine is ready to keep you productive at home, in the office, or in transit.
Content creators: The Intel Core Ultra X7 358H chip's graphics capabilities deliver extra power in a thin design, matching the lifestyle and needs of a modern content creator. You can edit photos and videos on this laptop without the bulk of a discrete GPU, wherever you need to get that work done.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Ultraportable Dimensions (HWD) 0.58 by 12.2 by 8.3 inches Graphics Processor Intel Arc B390 Native Display Resolution 2880 by 1800 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology OLED Processor Intel Core Ultra X7 358H RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 21:02 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 6 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Dell XPS 14 (2026) Review -
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i Gen 10 Aura Edition]()
Best Alternative to the 16-Inch MacBook ProLenovo Yoga Pro 9i Gen 10 Aura Edition
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The most fitting MacBook Pro Windows alternative at 16 inches is the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i Gen 10 Aura Edition. It has a slick and durable chassis, a brilliant OLED screen, and a comfortable keyboard that all make it work like a dream. Its Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor delivers potent performance, and the Nvidia RTX 5050 GPU enables moderate visual workloads. The Yoga Pro 9i threads the needle on the requirements for replacing a MacBook Pro: a slimline design, a fantastic screen, and fast processing plus powerful graphics.
Who It's For
Professional power users: If you're constantly multi-tasking, swapping between many tabs, pulling up multiple windows and apps, or crunching data, the Yoga Pro 9i is the machine for you. It's fast and fully featured, and it was built to high-end standards, too.
Media editors: Much like the 16-inch MacBook Pro, this laptop should appeal to creative types who need a big, advanced screen and some level of graphics power. Part of the reason we picked it is its discrete GPU, which (while not the strongest around) can power many visual workloads.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Desktop Replacement Dimensions (HWD) 0.7 by 14.3 by 10 inches Graphics Memory 8 Graphics Processor Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPU Native Display Resolution 2880 by 1800 Operating System Windows 11 Panel Technology OLED Processor Intel Core Ultra 9 285H RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 16 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 15:04 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support Yes Weight 4.25 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 -
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![Razer Blade 14 (2025)]()
Best Premium MacBook Pro AlternativeRazer Blade 14 (2025)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
With an all-metal build, thin profile, beautiful display, and powerful parts, the Razer Blade 14 is perhaps the most natural premium MacBook Pro replacement. Like the 14-inch MacBook Pro, Razer's 14-incher aims at power users on the go, plus the obvious gaming crowd. It's clearly less of a direct replacement for the 16-inch MacBook Pro in terms of screen size, but you can't deny its high-end build or its power. Our unit packs an AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 CPU and a powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 GPU, ready for demanding processing and graphics workloads alike. Most laptops at this size are not as well-equipped as the Blade, which comes with a full feature set and long battery life in that sweet design.
Who It's For
Luxury shoppers: You'll find laptops with purely better performance-per-dollar, if that's your sole priority, but the Blade 14 is for people who also want a premium, relatively lightweight design. This laptop is the luxury alternative to the MacBook Pro in terms of build quality, power, and envy-inducing style.
Gamers on the go: While you may be shopping for this system primarily as a mobile professional or content creator, the Blade is ready for gaming, too. Razer is a gaming company first, but has heavy crossover with media editors and content creators since its systems are slim and attractive, and they pack decided graphics muscle.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Gaming Class Ultraportable Dimensions (HWD) 0.64 by 12.2 by 8.8 inches Graphics Memory 8 Graphics Processor Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU Native Display Resolution 2880 by 1800 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology OLED Processor AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 11:37 Variable Refresh Support G-Sync Weight 3.6 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Razer Blade 14 (2025) Review -
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![Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition]()
Best MacBook Pro Alternative for Business UsersLenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
You've undoubtedly noticed the growing presence of the MacBook Pro among professional users. While you can find cheaper or less elegant business options, none do it better than the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition. It earned a rare five-star review from us for its sleek and comfortable design, fast performance, work-friendly features, and long battery life. Maybe the ThinkPad design isn't as flashy as a MacBook Pro, but our reviewer called it a "nearly perfect portable PC" for a reason: It's super light and slim despite its broad connectivity and gorgeous 2.8K OLED screen.
Who It's For
Executives: You will likely not deploy this fancy system as a fleet machine to most employees, but executives or a select group of power users will benefit mightily. The latest ThinkPad X1 Carbon is small, quick, and fully featured while looking and feeling fantastic.
Mobile power users: If you're self-employed or looking for a small-business productivity machine (and have an ample budget), this ThinkPad is a treat. You likely don't need as many of the corporate-friendly features, making this laptop an incredible travel and work companion. However, just beware the lack of graphics power compared with MacBook Pro laptops.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 512 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Business Class Ultraportable Dimensions (HWD) 0.56 by 12.3 by 8.5 inches Graphics Processor Intel Arc Graphics 140V Native Display Resolution 2880 by 1800 Operating System Windows 11 Pro Panel Technology OLED Processor Intel Core Ultra 7 258V RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 19:49 Variable Refresh Support Manual Weight 2.17 Wireless Networking Bluetooth Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 -
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![Dell Pro Max 18 Plus]()
Best Workstation-Grade MacBook Pro AlternativeDell Pro Max 18 Plus
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Plenty of potent laptops sit on this list, but the largest workstations are in their own tier. The Dell Pro Max 18 Plus is a hyper-powerful, expandable, and hefty laptop that is all about performance. You'll find more portable options listed here, but workstations tend toward power, with thicker, heavier examples than even this one. Its Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX processor, Nvidia RTX Pro 5000 GPU, and 128GB of error-correcting memory ensure blistering performance on all professional workloads. The laptop's display is sharp, its upgradability and connectivity are excellent, and it all comes with a MacBook-like build, which is hardly a given in the business-centric workstation-laptop market.
Who It's For
True performance hounds: The Dell Pro Max 18 Plus is, without any doubt, for performance-first users. Content creation and editing professionals, engineers, animators, and data scientists need this level of power. (It's overkill for most users.) This laptop is among the most Apple-adjacent systems in this category.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Workstation Dimensions (HWD) 1.19 by 15.8 by 11.0 inches Graphics Memory 24 Graphics Processor Nvidia RTX PRO 5000 Native Display Resolution 2560 by 1600 Operating System Windows 11 Pro Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX RAM (as Tested) 128 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 18 Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Secondary Drive Type SSD Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 4:20 Weight 7.17 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Dell Pro Max 18 Plus Review -
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![Razer Blade 18 (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX)]()
Best MacBook Pro Alternative for Creating and GamingRazer Blade 18 (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
With its roomy display and impressive power level in a slim profile, the Blade 18 is one of the best for both creative professionals and gamers. Its sky-high price rules it out as an option for many shoppers, but it's not out of the question next to a loaded 16-inch MacBook Pro. Our test configuration tore through our benchmark suite, thanks to its Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, 64GB of memory, and RTX 5090 GPU—near the tippy top among PC laptops. The panel can transition between a 4K/240Hz resolution and a faster 440Hz full HD mode for gaming, so it truly works for both audiences. A 2TB SSD is sweet for creatives, and its battery life (while not too long overall) is enough considering its size and power.
Who It's For
Artists and engineers (who also game): Professionals who need the most power will love what the Blade 18 has inside. Between its top-end components, advanced display, loads of storage and memory, and slick build, this is the Windows laptop to beat for creatives—as long as portability isn't a top priority. When you're not working, the Blade drives one of the best laptop gaming experiences around.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 2 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Gaming Dimensions (HWD) 1.1 by 15.7 by 10.8 inches Graphics Memory 24 Graphics Processor Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU Native Display Resolution 3840 by 2400 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX RAM (as Tested) 64 Screen Refresh Rate 240 Screen Size 18 Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested) 2 Secondary Drive Type SSD Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 5:43 Variable Refresh Support G-Sync Weight 7.06 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 -
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![Framework Laptop 16 (2025)]()
Best MacBook Pro Alternative for Maximum CustomizationFramework Laptop 16 (2025)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The MacBook Pro is configurable at checkout, but what if you want to customize almost everything? The Framework Laptop 16 lets you pick and choose nearly every part, from configurable memory and storage to even different operating systems and port arrangements. You can order the system nearly bare bones and bring the rest on your own later, or configure a complete laptop. It even has an optional, removable Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 GPU for graphics muscle, making it a strong MacBook Pro alternative for GPU-bound workflows. That GPU, when combined with the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU in our test model, can deliver blistering results.
It's not as slick or slim as the 16-inch MacBook Pro, but it's portable enough given the power and modular parts. Between the performance, varied connectivity, and helpful guides for upgrades and DIY changes, the Framework Laptop 16 is a unique and effective option.
Who It's For
Tinkerers: Wherever the MacBook Pro won't let you upgrade or tweak the hardware (which is: in most places!), the Framework Laptop 16 lets you customize to the max. Other laptop builds are more 1:1 MacBook replacements in terms of design and size, but this system can step in well for the same intended workflows.
Media editors: With its AI-ready top-tier processor and serious GPU, this laptop is fitting for content creators and editors. The laptop's unmatched connection versatility is also a fine fit for creatives who need to connect all sorts of peripherals and drives on the fly.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Desktop Replacement Dimensions (HWD) 0.82 by 14 by 11.4 inches Graphics Memory 8 Graphics Processor Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU Native Display Resolution 2,560 by 1,600 Operating System Windows 11 Panel Technology IPS Processor AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 165 Screen Size 16 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 7:04 Variable Refresh Support G-Sync Weight 5.29 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Framework Laptop 16 (2025) Review -
Compare Specs
![Razer Blade 14 (2025) [Review]](https://sm.pcmag.com/t/pcmag_uk/review/r/razer-blad/razer-blade-14-2025_j1wr.640.jpg)
Our Pick | ||||||||||
Rating |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.5 Outstanding |
5.0 Exemplary |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.5 Outstanding |
Best For | Best Alternative to the 14-Inch MacBook Pro | Best Alternative to the 16-Inch MacBook Pro | Best Premium MacBook Pro Alternative | Best MacBook Pro Alternative for Business Users | Best Workstation-Grade MacBook Pro Alternative | Best MacBook Pro Alternative for Creating and Gaming | Best MacBook Pro Alternative for Maximum Customization | Best Alternative to the 14-Inch MacBook Pro | Best Alternative to the 16-Inch MacBook Pro | Best Premium MacBook Pro Alternative |
Class | Ultraportable | Desktop Replacement | Gaming, Ultraportable | Business, Ultraportable | Workstation | Gaming | Desktop Replacement | Ultraportable | Desktop Replacement | Gaming, Ultraportable |
Processor | Intel Core Ultra X7 358H | Intel Core Ultra 9 285H | AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX | Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX | AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | Intel Core Ultra X7 358H | Intel Core Ultra 9 285H | AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 |
Processor Speed | ||||||||||
RAM (as Tested) | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 128 | 64 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
Boot Drive Type | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD |
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 512 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Secondary Drive Type | SSD | SSD | ||||||||
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 1 | 2 | ||||||||
Optical Drive | ||||||||||
Screen Size | 14 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 16 | 14 |
Native Display Resolution | 2880 by 1800 | 2880 by 1800 | 2880 by 1800 | 2880 by 1800 | 2560 by 1600 | 3840 by 2400 | 2,560 by 1,600 | 2880 by 1800 | 2880 by 1800 | 2880 by 1800 |
Touch Screen | ||||||||||
Panel Technology | OLED | OLED | OLED | OLED | IPS | IPS | IPS | OLED | OLED | OLED |
Variable Refresh Support | None | G-Sync | Manual | G-Sync | G-Sync | None | G-Sync | |||
Screen Refresh Rate | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 240 | 165 | 120 | 120 | 120 |
Graphics Processor | Intel Arc B390 | Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPU | Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU | Intel Arc Graphics 140V | Nvidia RTX PRO 5000 | Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU | Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU | Intel Arc B390 | Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPU | Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU |
Graphics Memory | 8 | 8 | 24 | 24 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |||
Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
Dimensions (HWD) | 0.58 by 12.2 by 8.3 inches | 0.7 by 14.3 by 10 inches | 0.64 by 12.2 by 8.8 inches | 0.56 by 12.3 by 8.5 inches | 1.19 by 15.8 by 11.0 inches | 1.1 by 15.7 by 10.8 inches | 0.82 by 14 by 11.4 inches | 0.58 by 12.2 by 8.3 inches | 0.7 by 14.3 by 10 inches | 0.64 by 12.2 by 8.8 inches |
Weight | 3 | 4.25 | 3.6 | 2.17 | 7.17 | 7.06 | 5.29 | 3 | 4.25 | 3.6 |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 | Windows 11 Home |
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 21:02 | 15:04 | 11:37 | 19:49 | 4:20 | 5:43 | 7:04 | 21:02 | 15:04 | 11:37 |
Buying Guide: The Best MacBook Pro Alternatives for 2026
On the most basic level, the MacBook Pro features a premium design and deluxe build quality. It is slightly thicker than ultraportable laptops but more portable than most mobile workstations. Currently, Apple sells the MacBook Pro in 14-inch and 16-inch screen sizes. Windows laptops have no problem matching those choices; they come in all different shapes and sizes and even surpass the MacBook Pro on maximum available screen sizes, at 17 and 18 inches.
(Credit: Brian Westover)Smaller sizes naturally prioritize mobility but have a lower power ceiling, while the 16-inch MacBook Pro prioritizes power and performance. The MacBook Air is famously Apple's portability-first offering, and if you're looking for a budget Apple option, the company recently launched its cheapest laptop by far, the MacBook Neo.
Windows laptops include two options MacBooks don't: touch screens and 2-in-1 convertible designs. Apple hasn't adopted touch-screen technology for any of its laptops, and some time ago, it removed the pseudo-solution Touch Bar found above the keyboards of previous models. Some Windows laptops, by contrast, feature options for either touch or non-touch displays (depending on the specific configuration), and plenty are convertibles that let you fold back their screens to work in tablet mode or prop up the system like an easel for presentations. (Convertibles, as a rule, must have touch screens, because they operate as a tablet at times.)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)You can find tons of 13- and 14-inch convertibles in lines from Dell, HP, Lenovo, and others, though convertible designs are less common among larger, more powerful laptops. Not every user will want a touch screen, but it can be convenient. For some creative pros, having one can make or break the experience—for example, stylus support for digital manipulation or drawing can be a non-negotiable need.
But back to the actual screen. Choosing a size is one part personal preference, one part how often you plan to travel with your laptop, and one part your performance needs—the 16-inch MacBook Pro can deliver power that the smaller machines cannot. If you need only modest oomph in your system and would consider a 13-inch MacBook Pro (if Apple still offered one, that is), the same size will be fine for a Windows system, and so on.
(Credit: Brian Westover)Apple laptop screens are also beautiful, high-resolution Retina Displays that can show the details and colors of photos and visual content to their best advantage. You'll want to meet this level of quality in your alternative, so look for a Windows laptop that goes beyond full HD (1,920-by-1,080-pixel) resolution.
Our reviews not only list laptops' native screen resolutions but also measure their color coverage and brightness. UHD or 4K resolution (3,840 by 2,160 pixels) is increasingly popular among professional systems, as is OLED screen technology, which delivers more brilliant colors and higher contrast, with unbeatably dark blacks compared with more common IPS panels. A growing number of systems feature displays with a 16:10 aspect ratio instead of the more common 16:9, stretching 4K to 3,840 by 2,400.
The priciest Windows content-creation laptops and mobile workstations will feature 4K screens up to 18 inches. If you want to draw digitally, look for systems that combine high resolution or OLED technology with a touch display and a pen for the best of both worlds—something that MacBooks can't offer. Touch tends to top out at 15- or 16-inch panel sizes, though, in most models.
The Processor Landscape: What Competes With Apple's Chips?
While users who simply enjoy macOS and the Apple aesthetic can get by with the MacBook Air, the MacBook Pro is the pick for creative pros who need superior horsepower and a feature set designed for creation. Photo and video editors, animators, virtual reality (VR) authors, music producers, and many more professionals will benefit from top-end speed. Our picks for the best laptops for video editing are relevant here, as they delve into high-end performance and feature sets, as does our general laptop processor buying advice.
Apple "M" Chips, Explained
Today's record-setting MacBook performance was first made possible by Apple's 2020 switch to its M1 chips rather than Intel processors. Today, older Mac models use M4 chips, while the latest MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models run on the M5 series.
Apple's SoC platform executes both the laptop's processing and graphics needs, and as we've seen in testing, it does so at an impressive level. The M1 architecture was the first step for all new Apple laptops and desktops, and now its successors come in many different power tiers.
The M1 generation set the trend for Apple's silicon architecture, launching as a base chip and two more powerful options, the M1 Pro and M1 Max. The M2 variants continued this trend in 2023, were eventually phased out for the M3 Pro and M3 Max, and so on. Currently, Apple sells systems with the M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max processors. We reviewed the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 and the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Max in early 2026 for the launch of the M5 series. These (along with the M5 Pro) are the chips your Windows machines will need to compete with.
The shift to Apple silicon was a big one, but the move has paid off for Apple, giving the company more flexibility and allowing it to optimize its hardware and software for each other. To keep up, you'll want to find an equally fast AMD or Intel solution for your new Windows laptop. As we said, 13-inch and 14-inch models have lower power ceilings, while 15-inch through 18-inch systems tend to be the workhorses.
The Windows CPU Alternatives
In the Windows world, Intel's Core processors have long ruled the roost, but AMD has made a roaring comeback in recent years. Its Ryzen chips are particularly proficient at media editing workloads. These are the best-known lines, but Intel also launched its AI-ready Core Ultra processors in 2023, dropping the "i" nomenclature and equipping the chips with neural processing units (NPUs).
An NPU manages AI-driven tasks and workloads to unburden a processor's CPU and graphics processor, and you will increasingly see processors with NPUs inside thin-and-light laptops instead of Core i or basic Ryzen silicon. These are roughly equivalent to their generational Core i predecessors, so you don't need to turn away when you see them when shopping, if the AI capability doesn't appeal to you. Many high-powered Windows laptops are now running Intel Core Ultra 7 or 9 processors.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)In addition, Qualcomm and its Arm-based Snapdragon X and X2 processors are now real players among Windows laptops. Like Intel's Core Ultra solutions, these are AI-centric processors with NPUs. Snapdragon X's presence began with the launch of Microsoft's Copilot+ PC program; Qualcomm was the first chip maker with capable, NPU-equipped CPUs implemented in Copilot+ laptops at launch.
Following that debut, Intel and AMD launched their Copilot+ PC-compliant "Lunar Lake" (Core Ultra 200V series) and "Strix Point" (Ryzen AI 300 series) generations later in the year, which we first tested here and here. Intel followed up with the "Arrow Lake" mobile processors, and most recently launched the "Panther Lake" Core Ultra 3 Series chips. Panther Lake focuses on more powerful integrated graphics performance, as you can see in our first tests, and has the most capable NPU yet from Intel.
Arm-based Snapdragon processors are seen in some MacBook-like laptops these days, gaining a foothold despite Windows compatibility limitations. Our first Snapdragon X laptop review, the 2024 Microsoft Surface Laptop, has a lot of the need-to-know information, as do our Snapdragon graphics and compatibility testing articles. Compatibility is constantly improving; some of our best-rated laptops over the past year (such as the Asus Zenbook A14) run on Snapdragon.
Among 13- and 14-inch laptops for creative pros, your Intel and AMD options will generally be Core i7, Core Ultra 7, and Ryzen 7 processors, respectively. Some base models may come with Core i5, Core Ultra 5, or Ryzen 5 chips, which are fine for day-to-day productivity but generally fall short of the power favored for pro-grade work.
Most mainstream and power-user laptops 15 inches and up will either use Core i7, Core Ultra 7, and Ryzen 7 chips or ascend to the blistering 9-series tier. The latter are where true workstation-grade performance lies, and are the chips you'd put up against the best of the M-series in the MacBook Pros.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Bottom line: If you’re seeking a do-it-all mobile workstation as an alternative to the 16-inch MacBook Pro, go for a Ryzen 9, Core i9, or Core Ultra 9 chip. The Core Ultra chips and their NPUs accelerate workflows or ease the burden of background tasks, which may be of value to content creators. If you can work with something more modest, Core i7 and Ryzen 7 will get the job done and are your best bet for alternatives to the 14-inch MacBook Pro.
Among the latest processor generations in the laptops selected here, some have massive core and thread counts. The best of them feature as many as 20 cores (supporting 28 threads) at the Core i7 level, and 24 cores (with 32 threads) at the Core i9. Most of our picks here run CPUs from the current Intel 14th Gen "Raptor Lake Refresh" line, Intel's Core Ultra 200 and 300 series, and AMD's Ryzen 8000 and Ryzen AI 300 lines.
There's far more to modern processors than raw core count, though. Exactly why involves more details than we have space for here, but given the complex microarchitectures and synergies chipmakers are developing nowadays, comparisons based on paper specifications aren't as useful as they used to be. Read the performance-testing sections in our laptop reviews to see how they stack up to one another. Also, check out our deep-dive explainer on choosing among today's laptop processors.
Dedicated Graphics: Assessing the Laptop's GPU
A powerful GPU is key for many of the creative workloads listed here (editing video, encoding, streaming, modeling, animating, and more). Discrete laptop graphics processing units aren't quite as fast as the equivalent graphics cards of the top gaming desktops, but modern mobile GPUs still pack plenty of power.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Note that not every creative professional needs a laptop with a discrete GPU. If your work is more processing- or data-intensive than visual, put less of your budget toward a strong GPU and more into the processor and memory. A notebook with integrated graphics might suffice for your needs, or at least an entry-level GPU rather than a pricey one.
With the advent of the "M" architecture, MacBooks no longer employ a dedicated GPU from Nvidia or AMD alongside the processor. With a Windows laptop, though, if you opt for a discrete GPU, you'll get one from one of those two graphics giants (or, rarely, Intel). Despite some inroads by AMD and early efforts by Intel, Nvidia is the dominant player with its GeForce (consumer and gaming) and RTX A series (workstation, formerly known as Quadro) GPU lines. We don't see very many laptops with AMD Radeon RX discrete GPUs.
Nvidia's GeForce and A series both use the RTX moniker to denote the company's advanced, ray-tracing-capable GPUs. The A series GPUs excel at CGI rendering and CAD applications for animators, VFX pros, engineers, and others who work in visual production and modeling. Even so, you'll find more GeForce GPUs in our recommended laptops, as they're popular for content creation as well as gaming.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)The most common GPUs you'll see in the entry-level tier are the previous-generation Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 or 4060, or the current RTX 5050 and RTX 5060 equivalents. The RTX 4060, 4070, 5060, and 5070 can handle moderate workloads. At the high end, you have the RTX 5070 Ti, 4080, 4090, 5080, and all-powerful 5090 as performance leaders, topping Apple's chip family.
Most integrated graphics from AMD and Intel can't keep up with Apple's M-series graphics performance. Intel's "Panther Lake" platform, however, provides competition with its new integrated graphics chips, so look for Core Ultra chips with the "X5" and "X7" moniker that denotes this.
Memory, Storage, and Connectivity: What Do You Need?
A laptop's internal specs also include memory and storage. Fortunately, this is one area where you don't need to do much work to translate from Mac-land. All systems operate within the same rule: the more, the better. More storage gives you more room to save big media files and projects, and more RAM helps your computer run more tasks at once.
However, this decision has become complex (and costly) this year, with memory and storage shortages afoot, due to demand for chips from AI cloud giants for their data centers. This issue has caused laptop prices from some brands to rise of late, so be sure to read our guide on determining how much RAM you need before buying your next high-power PC laptop.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)The minimum you should look for in a professional laptop today is 16GB of memory. Even many general-purpose consumer notebooks come with 16GB of RAM rather than 8GB these days. Demanding workloads, such as video editing, can benefit from 32GB or more. Many professional creators wouldn't be caught dead with less than 32GB, while the toughest workstation customers may opt for 64GB or even 128GB. As for storage, look for at least a 1TB solid-state drive and seriously consider 2TB or more if you work with 4K video or other space-hogging files.
Next up, ports. The average user can get by just fine with a couple of USB connections, but it's different for creative pros. For one, USB-C has become the standard for slim laptops, and it's even more important for people moving large files around—USB-C and Thunderbolt data transfer speeds make a notable difference. Most content creator laptops, including the MacBook Pro, have Thunderbolt 3 or 4 ports with USB-C connectors. Larger models will likely also include USB Type-A ports.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)For content creators, it's not just about USB, though. You can buy USB-based monitors or plug a DisplayPort monitor into a Thunderbolt port with an adapter, but many prefer dedicated video-out ports with either HDMI or DisplayPort connectors. SD card slots are also ideal for some users, particularly photographers who need to move images between their cameras and laptops.
How Much Should You Expect to Spend?
As a general rule, professional-grade laptops are pricey. Smaller, less powerful machines have lower starting points, but you'll likely need to scale up some components or features to satisfy your needs.
Apple's 14-inch MacBook Pro starts at $1,699. You can readily find robust Windows laptops at or less than that mark, but the larger MacBook Pro models represent a higher power tier and have prices to match. The 16-inch model starts at $2,699, for instance.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Since you'll find so many options from so many manufacturers, Windows laptops will fall in and around all of those price points. As mentioned, some are more configurable or customizable at the time of order than Apple's machines, so that you can scale the price to your needs and budget.
Apple computers have a reputation for charging a premium, but elite Windows laptops aren't cheap either. Pure value becomes less of a factor with these laptops than performance, capacity, and display quality, and it's easy to push a loaded MacBook Pro or Windows mobile workstation past $4,000.
Which MacBook Pro Alternative Should You Buy?
With the key criteria covered, we've selected our top picks among worthy alternatives to the MacBook Pro. Whether you're facing a corporate switch from macOS to Windows, merely considering the jump for the sake of particular software, or making your first professional laptop pick, one of these options will surely suit your needs. Some are thin-and-light rivals to the 14-inch MacBook Pro, while others are closer to professional workstations like the 16-inch model. All of them hit at least the minimum specifications and feature requirements described above, and most can take you as high as you want to go.